Regression of human pancreatic tumor xenografts in mice after a single systemic injection of recombinant vaccinia virus GLV-1h68

Mol Cancer Ther. 2009 Jan;8(1):141-51. doi: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-08-0533.

Abstract

Oncolytic virotherapy of tumors has shown promising results in both preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of a replication-competent vaccinia virus, GLV-1h68, against human pancreatic carcinomas in cell cultures and in nude mice. We found that GLV-1h68 was able to infect, replicate in, and lyse tumor cells in vitro. Virus-mediated marker gene expressions were readily detected. Moreover, s.c. PANC-1 pancreatic tumor xenografts were effectively treated by a single i.v. dose of GLV-1h68. Cancer killing was achieved with minimal toxicity. Viral titer analyses in homogenized organs and PANC-1 tumors showed that the mutant virus resides almost exclusively in the tumors and not in healthy organs. Except mild spleen enlargements, no histopathology changes were observed in any other organs 2 months after virus injection. Surprisingly, s.c. MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic tumors were treated with similar efficiency as PANC-1 tumors, although they differ significantly in sensitivity to viral lysis in cell cultures. When GLV-1h68 oncolytic viral therapy was used together with cisplatin or gemcitabine to treat PANC-1 tumors, the combination therapy resulted in enhanced and accelerated therapeutic results compared with the virus treatment alone. Profiling of proteins related to immune response revealed a significant proinflammatory immune response and marked activation of innate immunity in virus-colonized tumors. In conclusion, the GLV-1h68 strain showed outstanding therapeutic effects and a documented safety profile in mice, with great promise for future clinical development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives
  • Deoxycytidine / therapeutic use
  • Gemcitabine
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
  • Genetic Markers
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / virology
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / virology
  • Vaccinia / immunology
  • Vaccinia / pathology
  • Vaccinia / virology
  • Vaccinia virus / genetics
  • Vaccinia virus / physiology*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism
  • Virus Replication
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays*

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Viral Proteins
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Cisplatin
  • Gemcitabine